Mexican-American Studies in Texas Classrooms: Solution for Improving Public Education

Should Mexican-American studies be incorporated into the K-12 curriculum? Many experts locally and nationally say yes. In one major city school district, adding ethnic studies in the classroom led to significant improvements among ninth graders with a 21 percent increase in attendance and a 14-point increase in GPA.

These are among the many findings that will be presented during a statewide educational conference hosted by the University of Houston Center for Mexican American Studies (CMAS) on Friday, March 31 at the M.D. Anderson Library and Saturday, April 1 at the Social Work Building.

“Implementing Mexican American Studies in Texas Public Schools: The Power of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy” will address how ethnic studies can play a role in transforming students and schools.

“We have a responsibility as teachers to tell our students that they are as much a part of this country’s legacy as anyone else, no matter where they came from,” said Augustin Loredo, South Houston High School teacher.

Conference Highlights

Testimonials by Houston-area high school students and teachers

Governance panel with Texas State Board of Education member Georgina Perez who opposed the adoption of the much-criticized textbook titled “Mexican American Heritage”

Keynote speakers, including Houston Independent School District Superintendent Richard Carranza